In the first quarter of the New York Jets’ 32-24 preseason win over the New York Giants on Saturday night, a shoving match took place between Giants linebacker Jihad Ward and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
It began when Ward appeared to hit Rodgers a little late on a pass play. Rodgers retaliated with a shove. No penalties were assessed.
After the game, Rodgers had little to say about the incident.
“I kind of bumped into him,” Rodgers told reporters. “Wait for Hard Knocks.”
When asked, the usually loquacious Ward was uncharacteristically silent about the encounter.
#Giants Jihad Ward declined to talk about his confrontation with #Jets Aaron Rodgers, which the chatty little-off-limits vet leader acknowledged is out of character for him. Maybe another time, he said.
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) August 27, 2023
The two teams meet again in Week 8 this season. Perhaps this won’t be a story by then but for now, it’s heading towards the back burner.
But with buttoned lips on both sides, it looks like we really have to wait for Hard Knocks in order to see what was said during the exchange and how it might carry over into the regular season.
Ward opting for silence certainly makes it interesting.
